Much of what has appeared on this site and its predecessor has vanished forever. From August 2002, these pages are an essentially complete record of the news pages and visitor postings, arranged in chronological order. ("Essentially complete" means "those things that came to our attention which have not since fallen prey to computer malfunction") Before then, there is a patchy and incomplete record of pub news, culled from a variety of sources. More recently, some of the other items that have appeared on this site have been archived under the apppropriate year. Old pubs of the year can be found on the Pub of the Year index page. Archive photographs of local pubs can be found via the pub pages. Note that in a number of cases news items were published in good faith which subsequently turned out to be not entirely true. No attempt has been made to retrospectively hide our errors.
Archive 2008
11 January
The John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) closed on Monday 7 January. The licensee is not talking to anyone but it seems that it will reopen as a and when a new tenant is in place.
The Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale) has a new tenant. Six or seven cask beers available at the moment.
The Station (Ribblehead) has a tenant at last after months of temporary managers.
15 January
New licensees at Park (Lancaster).
16 January
I'm now told that the John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) will reopen on Saturday — with the same landlord. We may never know exactly what has been going on.
24 January
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
31 January
The Farmer's Arms (Garstang) is to close and become an Italian restaurant.
Tim Tomlinson is to leave the Penny Bank (Lancaster) .
6 February
The New Inn (Wray) reopened on 24 January under the name of " Inn at Wray (Wray) "; to be run by the people who run the Wheatsheaf (Beetham).
The Borough (Lancaster) is going to have 8 cask beers.
There is a planning application for alterations to the Wagon & Horses (Lancaster) .
22 February
Page link: winter Pub of the Year 2008
24 February
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
1 March
New licensees at Three Horseshoes (Ingleton), Wheatsheaf (Ingleton).
14 March
16 March
The John O'Gaunt (Central Lancaster) reopened on the 20th March with a new (presumably temporary) manager.
22 March
Visitor Comments
On 22 March 2008, Glen Oldham wrote re: Water Witch (Lancaster):"I call into this lovely pub often and whilst I have not eaten there I find the beer range diverse and always of a good quality. I am a little surprised it has not been included in the 2008 GBG."; Reply
24 March
Visitor Comments
On 24 March 2008, Glen Oldham wrote re: Woodlands (Silverdale):"I called here on 2 seperate days over Easter (29th and 30th) and was amazed that the beer choice had changed from one visit to the next. The selection of beers was diverse and from all over the Country, and each pint was in excellent condition. The sandwiches were very welcome after a long walk as was the real fire. I will be back and often."; Reply
28 March
Mitchells:Mitchells are having a rare real ale promotion — buy six, get one free.
2 April
4 April
Visitor Comments
On 4 April 2008, Jim Shepherd wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"This pub has reopened today after yet another refurbishment (or should I say Vandalisation) The unique set of 3 front windows have been taken out and replaced with clear glass! These unique acid etched windows were probably 100 years old and should be in a brewing museum. How did the owners get permission (in a conservation area) to do this."; Reply
Page link: Whole Lotta Rosey
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
9 April
The Cumberland View (Heysham) has reopened after reconstruction.
The Vine & Hops (Lancaster) is closed for refurbishment.
The Water Witch (Lancaster) is closed for refurbishment.
10 April
Smokey O’Connor’s (Morecambe) (formerly the Ex-Servicemen’s Club. better known as Smokey Joes) has got a full licence and should be selling Brysons when they get some handpumps installed.
12 April
The licensee has left Upstairs Downstairs (Morecambe) and it is currently closed.
14 April
Visitor Comments
On 14 April 2008, dave sainsbury wrote re: York (Morecambe):"i thing you should try this place for a pint of real ale the landlord mike has turned this place round and the snooker table has gone and in its place is the new restraunt / dinning room"; Reply
19 April
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
21 April
Visitor Comments
On 21 April 2008, Jenny Greenhalgh wrote re: Hest Bank (Hest Bank):"Gareth and staff are trying to raise the pub's profile by having a beer festival 10 beers-with added protein- pie and peas and sausages from Foragers of Carnforth - Fri-Sun 25th-27th. April. Current Guest beer at the moment [20th. April] is Brakspear's Oxford Gold 4.00% rich tasting and aromatic it drinks above its gravity."; Reply
24 April
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
25 April
Visitor Comments
On 25 April 2008, Jon S wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"George & Dragon () Those windows WERE listed. One broke (air pellet if I remember correctly) during an earlier landlords tenure, and the council insisted an exact replacement be made. I think it was laser-etched and was told the setup cost was so high the insurance company got a spare made at the same time for a relatively low add-on cost. Obviously I don't know the current circumstance but I would have considered such a change in view by the planners as unlikely."; Reply
28 April
Imminent change of licensee at the Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale) .
29 April
Upstairs Downstairs (Morecambe) is now open again.
1 May
Visitor Comments
On 1 May 2008, Martin wrote re: George & Dragon (Lancaster):"Just to keep you up-to-date: the Council planning officers know about the windows and are looking into the matter. We await developments."; Reply
On 1 May 2008, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Keys (Slyne):"There has been a sign outside for some time now (Freehold for Sale, Business unafected)?"; Reply
3 May
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
9 May
The manager of the Moorlands (Lancaster) is due to leave (provisionally on 23 June) and be replaced by tenant.
The Water Witch (Lancaster) reopened on 7 May. Not drastically changed: back to 9 handpumps, appearance a little blander and more corporate than before.
The Wagon & Horses (Lancaster) is being altered and greatly extended.
13 May
The Marton Arms (Thornton-in-Lonsdale) will reopen on Friday 16 May with the former owner Colin Elsdon come out of retirement to assist in getting it back on an even keel
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The Green Dragon (Galgate) is to let.
19 May
Page link: spring Pub of the Year 2008
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
23 May
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
27 May
The Punch Bowl (Bentham) is to let.
Visitor Comments
On 27 May 2008, Grant Stringer wrote re: 1725 (Central Lancaster):"Lancaster Lounge & Bars Ltd, The owners of The Lounge have bought the lease on The Blue Anchor. It will close until mid August. The intention is to sympatheticaly bring back a lot of the original beams, increase access to the much under used upstairs, extend the bar and introduce a strong fresh food offer. It will trade as a public house no 24 hour licence and no dj's etc. At this stage the intention is to stock some real ales and any suggestions are more than welcome."; Reply
10 June
The Midland (Morecambe) reopened on 1 June. No real ale - a missed opportunity, surely?
The lease of the Silverdale (Silverdale) is for sale.
The licensee of the Slyne Lodge (Slyne) is to go and run the Cross Keys over the road. The lease for the Lodge, held by Chamaeleon Pub Company for many years is for sale.
11 June
The Cross Keys (Slyne) has been bought by Chamaeleon Pub Company who have leased the Slyne Lodge for many years. It is due to reopen, apparently free of tie, in August.
16 June
New licensees at Punch Bowl (Bentham), Owl's Nest (Morecambe), Eagle's Head (Over Kellet).
20 June
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
22 June
The planning application for the Flying Horseshoe (Clapham) finally got through, so it is being converted into flats.
24 June
Plans have been submitted to turn the Goldmine (Skerton) into a newsagents and flats
29 June
Smokey O’Connor’s (Morecambe) has its handpull in and is serving Brysons.
The Three Horseshoes (Ingleton) has a new licensee and has had a makeover.
30 June
Smokey O’Connor’s (Morecambe) has its handpull in and is serving Brysons.
The Three Horseshoes (Ingleton) has a new licensee and has had a makeover.
7 July
From Monday 21st July, the Smugglers' Den (Morecambe) will have a cask ale free of tie from Punch Taverns that will allow them to stock cask ales from microbreweries in Lancashire and Cumbria.
12 July
The lease of the Duke of Lancaster (Lancaster) is for sale.
The Galleon (Morecambe) has reopened.
The Royal (Morecambe) has reopened, seemingly aimed at youth.
21 July
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
27 July
The Moorlands (Lancaster) has a new licensee but no real ale.
The Park (Lancaster) is shut.
30 July
Page link: Drink beer — save a life
1 August
Page link: summer Pub of the Year 2008
11 August
Visitor Comments
On 11 August 2008, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Malt Shovel (Warton):"The Malt Shovel has had a complete makover! it now styles itself as 'Restaurant with Bar'. This establishment is rumoured to serve 'Black Sheep'! I will continue to frequent 'The George Washington'! Fish and Chips at £10.99 is not to my taste!"; Reply
12 August
Page link: Bryson’s PUSHES THE BOAT OUT
13 August
The Blue Anchor (Central Lancaster) is to reopen soon under the name of "1792". It is apparently to be a tapas bar, but will have real ale.
Keystones (Lancaster) is being transformed. It is no longer to be aimed at undiscerning youth, but will have cask beer
The Vine & Hops (Lancaster) is to let.
15 August
On the website of Morecambe CC (Morecambe) , it says: "The committee have decided to put in real ale for a trial period, after the request of a number of members. We will monitor its success."
21 August
Message on the website of Calderbank Country Lodge (Oakenclough) : "We regret that we are no longer operational as an hotel and restaurant but thank you for your interest. "
22 August
Page link: Having a mashing time: CAMRA visits Grindleton Brewhouse
27 August
1725 (Central Lancaster) (formerly the Blue Anchor) is to open on 6 September under the tagline "Bar, Tapas, Dining", but promising to have cask beer.
The Horse & Farrier (Lancaster) is shut.
Following the demise of Cain's, the Wheatsheaf (Ingleton) has been bought by Welcome Inns, a new company based near Bolton. They have returned Black Sheep beers to the bar.
29 August
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
31 August
Keystones has reopened as the Pendle Witch (Lancaster) . It now has quite subdued decor and three real ales.
2 September
Visitor Comments
On 2 September 2008, Jim Shepherd wrote re: Keys (Slyne):"The Cross Keys is to reopen on the 15th September and is to be called The Keys."; Reply
3 September
The Cross Keys (Slyne) is to reopen on 15 September under the name of the "Keys".
The Moorlands (Lancaster) has gone from having no cask ales to having five.
Visitor Comments
On 3 September 2008, laura wrote re: Ring O'Bells (Lancaster):"Ring O Bells (Lancaster) The Ring O' Bells is a warm and friendly pub situated in the heart of Lancaster. It has home cooked food served every day, quality cask ales, an open fire and beautiful beer garden."; Reply
5 September
The manager who came to the Water Witch (Lancaster) following the revamp has already left.
6 September
1725 (Central Lancaster) - formerly the Blue Anchor - opened on 6 September. The walls, doors and windows are still in the same places but it is otherwise utterly different: a 21st-century design with white-painted walls (and some exposed stone) and wooden floors. Currently five cask ales from Mitchells.
8 September
The Royal Oak (Lancaster) is to let.
22 September
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
24 September
The Keys (Slyne) (formerly the Cross Keys) reopened on 15 September. It now has more modern decor and the way to the lower bar is more open. Three cask ales including Lancaster: there are eight beer pumps so more may appear.
25 September
The Keys (Slyne) (formerly the Cross Keys) reopened on 15 September. It now has more modern decor and the way to the lower bar is more open. Three cask ales including Lancaster: there are eight beer pumps so more may appear.
28 September
The Station (Ribblehead) is no longer a Copper Dragon pub. Recently it has had a number of ales including Old Peculier and the rare Three Peaks.
7 October
The New Inn (Morecambe) is to let.
The Park (Lancaster) has reopened. Its appearance is unchanged.
13 October
Page link: Guide to best city pubs launched
25 October
The Palatine (Morecambe) has been bought by C2i (owners of the Sun and Lancaster Brewery). Currently they are transforming the interior including opening a first-floor lounge. They say “The Palatine will offer eight cask ales, an excellent array of bottled/keg beers and very lovely food. Opening day will be the 1st of December”
1 November
The Orange Tree (Kirkby Lonsdale) is to open a brewery, to be called "Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery". It will open in February 2009.
4 November
The licensee is leaving the Fleece (Dolphinholme) .
5 November
The Wagon & Horses (Lancaster) has reopened as a much larger, open-plan food-oriented establishment.
10 November
Page link: Pub of the Year 2008
15 November
The Dalton Arms (Glasson Dock) is to be renovated in late November.
The Stork (Conder Green) is no longer owned by T&P. The licensee bought it in June.
17 November
Page link: autumn Pub of the Year 2008
28 November
Page link: Down the local
1 December
New licensees at Palatine (Morecambe).
5 December
Page link: House of Lord
8 December
Last Orders (Lancaster) is shut and to let.
The Chicago Rock Cafe (Lancaster) is being turned into a restaurant.
Page link: New Dawn for Morecambe?
9 December
Lancaster Brewery Co: Lancaster Brewery have launched a new beer called "Redder" at 5.9% ABV for the Christmas period. The name is accurate if not inspired.
11 December
Mitchells:Mitchells of Lancaster, who got out of brewing eight years ago, have become brewers again with the acquisition of micro York Brewery (brewing within the city walls). York’s four pubs will join Mitchells existing 63. York beers will certainly become widely available in Mitchells pubs round here: how much this will be at the expense of other nearer breweries remains to be seen.
20 December
26 December
The Lord Nelson (Morecambe) (hitherto keg-only) is now selling a Brysons beer on handpump.
The Shovel (Carnforth) has axed its Boddingtons and now has four cask ales.
30 December
The Victoria (Morecambe) now has two cask ales.
31 December
The Greyhound (Halton) is to let.
Visitor Comments
On 14 March 2008, Avice Philipps wrote re: Victoria (Glasson Dock):"I used to work at the Pub in the early 90's when Brenda was there. I have very fond memories and lots of pictures of the childrenss parties we used to have especially at Xmas. Also the great people who made the Vic their pub."; Reply